Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 December 2013 09:14
Published on Wednesday, 04 December 2013 09:14
Written by Al Stover

The Wolf Point Wolves boys’ basketball team began practicing to prepare for the upcoming season.

In the previous year, the team took second-place at districts, first-place at divisionals and second-place at the state championships. Although the Wolves finished at the top of their division last season, several varsity players graduated at the end of the year.

Coach Kelly Nieskens said many of the younger players, who have been on varsity since they were freshmen, will step up into leadership roles.

One of the team’s goals is to get better every game, which Nieskens said is reachable. Nieskens added that he wanted to help the players get into shape both physically and mentally.

During practice, the team practices several shooting and passing drills. They also have live scrimmages on the court.

Tukker Toavs is returning to the court after a year off due to an ACL injury he sustained during football season last year.

“It was hard sitting out last season and watching the team from the sidelines,” Toavs said.

Like Nieskens, Toavs wants to help his team get better at every game and help them go as far as they can in the season.

Junior Markell Blount is a new addition to the team. Blount, who played on the Frazer High School basketball team last season, said he is excited to be playing for Wolf Point.

“It’s a different system, but I’m excited to be playing for coaches and players who have been at the highest level and played in the state championship,” Blount said.

Blount’s goal is to come to practice every day and help his team get to where they need to be.

Nieskens noted that some of the other teams are expected to do better in the conference.

“By the end of the season, we will be where we need to be and hopefully surprise some people,” Nieskens said.